Caring Mother with Selfish Adult Children

by Sherry
(West Palm Beach, Florida)

I was a protective loving Mother. I raised two children on my own. Both are hardworking and professional adult children. I have a son and a daughter and if you asked them about their childhood both would say that they had a good one, filled with love and kindness.

Recently, I became ill and had to be hospitalized for a short period. Lucky me, I have not been ill or even had a flu or colds in thirty years. So you can see it was not an everyday event.

My 24 year old son hardly saw me and my 27 year old daughter was too busy to even ask me how I'm doing. I was off from work for two weeks, feeling better (Thank God) but not one time did they genuinely show any concern. I did write them both an email nothing nasty and it was loving, but they never brought up this issue.

They both abandoned me in my time of need. Why? and how do I treat them now when they showed no concern for me?

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the foundation came from our love
by: Anonymous

30 years ago I found myself a single parent without family support or even anywhere to live.

Through hard work (multiple jobs at the same time) I was able to buy a house, send her to good schools and made her the entire focus of my life.

Today I have a medical condition which impacts on my mobility and every aspect of my existence. She says I'm a "social embarrassment" and has cut me out of her life.

Recently I had surgery and was in recovery months; friends nursed me. I did tell her but she never got back to me; this is my reality but through counseling and the kindness of my friends I accept the situation and have found my own inner peace.

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Why
by: Anonymous

Why are my children so selfish and ungrateful? Why after giving up my dreams to them do they treat me like I don't exist? Why when I invite them over for dinner for their grandmother's 81st birthday do they not have time? Some do, some don't.

I have 5 children. The oldest hasn't spoken to me in years except to say hello at other family gatherings. He will not answer my calls or texts. He believes I somehow abused him.

I would and have laid down my life for him. My daughter always has more to do than even call me. Occasionally she does include me. Let's me watch my grandson occasionally.

We live in different states, 35 min apart. Other 2 boys will occasionally invite me but seems to be grudgingly. I still have the youngest at home (disability). They don't seem to have time for him either.

I stayed home, raised them, home schooled them, breastfed them. I did divorce their father after years of fighting. Remarried. Barely acknowledge new husband even though he has managed limited budget to help them. What have I done wrong?

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Grandchildren not package deal
by: Anonymous

I do not agree grandchildren and parents are a package deal. I believe adults should always let children know they are there for them and love them.

Every so often. It’s just the right thing to do. If none of them appreciate or need it that will be on them. Virtue is it’s own reward.

You never know when a young child might have needed you. Teen suicide is a real threat. Let grandchildren know they have you, if they ever need you.

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Cruel Heartless adult kids
by: Anonymous

That is a very rude comment regarding the ill lady who needed concern and care from her adult kids. You deserve a kick in the arse for you wrote to her.

SEEMS YOU WILL BE THE OLD LONELY ONE! NOT HER. YOU DISTANCED FROM YOUR MOM THAT IS COLD AND INHUMANE. As we age we need love and concern from our family. You pompous idiot. If YOU were my kid I would have nothing to do with YOU. Grow up.

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Deal with it
by: Anonymous

What I'm reading is a bunch of whiny narcissistic pieces of trash going "woe is me." Your children estranged themselves because of YOU and ONLY YOU.

Estranging myself from my mother was one of the best decisions I ever made for myself and I'm sure your children believe the same as me. They aren't the problem, you are. You idiots deserve to die depressed and alone.

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Grandkids are gone too
by: Anonymous

You will not get to be close to your grand kids. I've tried doing this in spite of my daughter. She will not allow it if she doesn't come first. I have decided that I do not have a choice but to let them go too. I will send them a small gift or card at Christmas and birthday.

I never visit, and if I do it's not longer than a few minutes. I will be doing this for me. As long as I have peace, then I can detach. I don't want anger, and I can't get close.

Therefore, I am cordially detached emotionally, so I can have peace for me. Yes, it hurts, but we don't have a choice.

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Hate my adult children.
by: Anonymous

Thank you all so much as i thought I was alone in this. I moved to Chicago from Naples Florida. I was there for 5 years. My daughter 30 and son 34 wanted to stay in Chicago. Im 64 now. They urged me to come back so I did I move near them.

As I was thinking they never called me when I was in Florida. Now I'm back in Chicago and it's worse they never come to see me they never call so what made me think they would do that when I moved back here. This current generation is so selfish it hurts me so bad but there's nothing I can do maybe I'll go back to Florida.

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No respect
by: Susan

My adult children have hurt me and their dad so much. Mother's day, father's day, birthdays etc. Nothing. We give gifts, we get nothing in return.

I will text, email and call my son. He never contacts us back. My daughter only cares adult herself. Where did this come from?

We have decided to end the relationship with them because it was killing us physically and emotionally. No contact is better than the emotional roller coaster we have been on. It is our time now.

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From a gay Dad
by: Anonymous

Raising a daughter as a gay father was tough. Trying to please my deceased husbands prejudiced and entitled children was tough. But I did it and I'm fine.

I went through many years of turmoil and emotional abuse from people who wanted to hurt me. Once my husband passed, I never spoke to his mean children again.

I've forgiven them in my heart, although it's still deeply pains me that ANYONE would choose to purposely be cruel to their parent or step-parent. But I get it. Jealousy is a conniving poison. Meanwhile, my daughter has grown to be a wonderful, mature, responsible woman.

She still has some of her own scars from the familial mess we were in, but now things have smoothed over. We've spoken about things many times, cried and hugged and we've both moved on. So the moral of MY story is, HANG IN THERE. The pain you feel today will change form in time.

My pain taught me that I have a huge heart and that I care very deeply about others. Not so bad after all!

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BROKEN HEART
by: Anonymous

Thank you All for those comments. I really thought I was the ONLY one dealing with this issue.

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Dear Mom
by: Anonymous

I faithfully send my mother cards, flowers, talk to her regularly, but that is not enough. I try to do things to improve her living arrangements (safety, security, convenience, ...) each time I visit.

However, I am suppose to "talk to my Dad" or "talk sense to my Dad" or listen to why "your father ....). In other words, I am suppose to intervene in their (bad) marriage. Hence I do not visit often, as I am (yet again) in the middle and the only thing that can happen is I lose - every time.
It is not as if this is related to dementia. It has always been this way, since I was a child.

I have been estranged from my mother (and sometimes both of them), for years at a stretch in my 60 years. It never occurs to her (in particular), that perhaps it is NOT ALL my fault.
While I understand that you all feel hurt, perhaps the lack of contact is because your adult children find the contact unpleasant. Has it never occurred to you that "It takes 2 to tango"?

I am tired of each generation, vilifying another "generation",when this is all about individual family dynamics.

I have friends who grew up in my generation who have families that: 1) do not threaten to throw family members out of the family, if they do not behave X; 2) who take equal responsibility for caring for their elderly parents;3) who are not threaten with being written out of the will, if they do not do as asked;4) whose children manage to stay out of jail.

This is NOT a generational (spoiled) issue. This is individual families, some with pathology and some without.

Please figure out what the problem is, fix it and stop shaming/blaming your kids.

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Selfish generation
by: Anonymous

Same here except I had several life threatening events and no daughter in sight. I was a single Mom and my daughter is very successful. She treats me like dirt and did not even send a get well card when I got a head injury. Just one example. Heart rending
We have to let go.

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So so sad
by: Anonymous

I woke up at 4:30 am the day after Mother's Day with my pillow soaked from crying. Mother's Day.

A day to acknowledge your love and thanks to the person that gave you life and loves you. I heard not a word from my daughter. She is 42 years old. Has two children and a husband. She had cancer as a child. I didn't leave her side for years.

I don't even want to go into the details of her care, treatment and support. Needless to say, anyone would do the same for their child.
Years and years of devotion. Yes, yesterday was Mother's Day. Not a word. Not a phone call. Not a card.

My heart is hurting so much right now. I feel broken. Totally broken. Sick inside. And yet, who am I too expect anything? We are suppose to give them life then let them fly. Expecting anything makes me no better then she has become. For all of her life I have let her empty me. Gladly.
But my heart screamed out...... 'just acknowledge my live'.

So be it. My tears shall vanish soon and I will put one more block in that wall of protection.

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Thank you gratitude!
by: Anonymous

Gratitude
Your comments really hit the nail on the head - I shall take from your words and not wallow in self pity.

I guess that when my son moves out there will be less to irritate between us and I really hope there is sufficient for us to occasionally be close- but there is no guarantee!

I guess as parents our default is to ask ourselves what we must have done wrong instead of seeing it as a part of being an independent adult.I do still pang though, when I see a mother and daughter arm in arm out together

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Love and lost my Grandkids
by: Anonymous

Wow I have goose bumps all over and just amazed that I'm not the only one. we have all given invested our love and more than half our lives to be treated like we did nothing.

I charged 240 a month for care of my grand kids bought the food. so no much in pay, but they stopped paying me and i couldn't eat.

then i finally said you cant bring them till you start paying. Now after 8 years I've been cut off in seeing my grandchildren no reason nothing said just bam like that.

Reading these letters will help me be strong, need to be a person, strong person and get through this. if u=you stay unhappy you lose your own life and they wont even care that you wasted it for the way they have made you feel.

Grandchildren is all I've have wanted for so many years and they are lovely, all children can be lovely. but when they are bad hurt never stops unless you get away, live your life and be very happy and proud of yourself. you will feel no respect for yourself if you stay and wait.

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Let it go
by: Meemaw

Our daughter will be 40 this December. Lately she has been distant. I text her & get 1-2 word reply. Last time we talked was 3.14.18. I called her. She is a divorced mother of one. And no child support because she won't take him back to court.

We have LOANED her $ over the years. Never paid back. Last year was $500 for grandsons tuition. We offered if she washed our walls she could work it off. She said, I'll have to see when I can.

I let it go for a month & asked her again and got same reply. She did that response 2 more times over 2 more months. So we dropped it. BUT 2 months after the loan she afforded herself to fly and visit her brother & lied to us that the last time she flew to her brothers was 2 yrs ago. We said nothing because we decided no more $ to her.

Earlier this year husband received a substantial settlement. She was super nice talkative & texting & calling. Then she told us her microwave, tv & coffeemaker all stopped working.

She wanted to know if her father was going to get a bigger tv because she wanted our 50" tv. We told her no. Then a few days later asked me if dad was going to the store to get her a coffee maker & microwave? He then texted her that the store has a coffee maker for this price & a microwave for that price. She said, you can afford it & as grandparents you can afford to pay your grandsons 4 year high school tuition of $$$$$.

As grandparents it's your responsibility to make sure he gets the best education. With that comment we decided FOR SURE NO MORE MONEY for her. But did not tell her that. So we see it as she is thinking she is holding us hostage by not communicating with us. If that's what she wants then so be it.

The only time she communicates is thru a text when she wants something. Like what do you think is wrong with my car? Stuff like that. We use to communicate almost everything with her. So we have decided to LET IT GO!

So the moral of the story is money IS the root of all evil & for our sanity we have let it go. It is one of the hardest things we have done. Oh & no more telling her everything.

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Never thought it would be me!
by: Anonymous

I have a 39 year old daughter a 33 year old son and they behave like they are living in a house wife of somewhere TV series! Drama all the time they fight with their spouses verbally and physically they lie on one another the law is often involved and now they have pulled me into their sitcom and I may be facing jail time! Never had as much as a ticket now a felon!

I'm so tired they have emptied the little savings I had I can't work anymore so I am of no value to them i feel like i have been pimped out! They walk around as if this is nothing I've been hospitalized 10 times in 6 months! I just feel like giving up if they didn't have my grand kids I would disappear!

I knew a lady that walked away from her family and moved to Tucumcari New Mexico and I thought how could she do that? NOW I KNOW!

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Had enough
by: Hurt in the UK

I was not the best mother. I hold my hands up to that. I had a baby because my ex husband wanted one but then ended up raising her on my own because he was an alcoholic.

I've helped her out all of her adult life (32 now). Recently, a friend came to stay with me and she was abusive to me for 2 weeks (this has happened before) because she wanted me all to herself.

I'm at my wits end. I'm too old to keep going through this. She's pregnant, so I'm tied to her for a while but after that, something has got to change.

I need some space and I need a life of my own. I'm sick of her.

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Selfish Daughters
by: Anonymous

I don't understand why my daughter's don't want me around... I am not some horrible overbearing mother... I only go to their homes when invited and I'm treated like shit when I am there so I honestly do not know what to do...

I have decided to stop going because I am extremely tired of my feelings being hurt...

I told them that this is what I was going to do and now they are calling me selfish... I just don't understand what they want from me...

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Toxic Behavior
by: Anonymous

My heart goes out to all who are posting here. I, too, am in emotional pain with selfish and uncaring behavior from my daughter.

I always was "there" for her, giving all my love and devotion. She started the hostile behavior toward me during her teenager years and I thought it was just a phase.

She did improve somewhat but only is nice to me when I meet her needs; otherwise, I don't exist, never calls me or ans. the phone when I call, never returns calls. I feel used, and unloved.

So I'm searching for an answer as to how to accept this treatment from her. And I've come to the conclusion that I cannot allow myself to be used any more and if a friend treated me this way, I would let them go.

So I've come to the conclusion that even though it hurts to let my daughter go, her behavior is toxic to me and I have to protect myself from that, and take the attitude that there is a limit to what we, as parents have to take from our children, and if that is having to endure abusive behavior we have to protect ourselves and not do anything "giving" to our children any more; painful to do, but too toxic to have to keep putting up with bad behavior--stop caring so much!! If they don't care, why should we keep caring and showing that we care so much? Perhaps one day they will "wise up." We've done all we can do, stop trying so hard!

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Just Sad
by: Anonymous

So..... I came across this blog when I typed in "selfish adult children ". Why did I type that in? Well somehow my fathers EX wife has ended up in our home (yes myself and my husband along with our 2yr old son do live here, we pay half of EVERYTHING as well as help out.

We’re saving to buy a house. ) but I just could not fathom why neither one her grandsons are pitching in to help her, one of which is leaching off my father so he is also staying here.

Her other grandson is not too far away and hasn’t even called.... and HER daughter couldn’t be bothered..... mainly myself in between tending to my son ( who is special needs) and everything else to be done, mind you I was only available because I wasn’t scheduled for my shift.

My husband is out of town working. I’m just not understanding why her grandsons and daughter are just not helping her. Her son (my half brother) and his wife are also out of town working, if they weren’t they’d be helping her.

I know there is past hurt and she can be some what difficult to deal with but come on it’s their mom and grandma! As far as being a grandma she been a good grandma to them and I just don’t understand. I definitely know who I won’t be depending on to be wiping my parents butt when they are to that point. I’m pissed!

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Me Too
by: Anonymous

I see bits and pieces of my story in all of yours. My husband and I raised our 2 sons ages 28 and 35. We only hear from them when they want something. We nurtured, loved and cared for them, gave them a solid home life and college educations. They were raised in church and had many friends, played sports and on and on,

Our youngest isn't quite as selfish as his brother. He does remember bdays etc. and does call or text occasionally. But the oldest is a different story. He is married to a witch, whom in all honesty he married b/c she was pregnant. They went to a JP to get married and didn't even tell us! My husband and I have been nonjudgmental, kind and generous toward her because we do want their marriage to work b/c of our grand kids.

And we do not get involved in their business. She is rude and abrasive. He NEVER calls unless he wants something. Never asks about us or offers to help with anything. He owns a beautiful home and has an enormous income and doesn't even get us a Christmas gift!

When their last child was born, we were completely left out of the delivery and kept away from the hospital until it was over. When he told us to come to the hospital there was a crowd of people there to witness the birth,

We said nothing.

My husband and I are neither codependent or needy and I'd like to just turn my back and walk away, but I want a relationship with my grandchildren.

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So easily forgotten
by: Anonymous

I'm always there when my kids need support and help. But when I ask for help with anything...I get the long sigh....the eye roll...and then maybe reluctant agreement for help. It gets so irritating!
I raised 3 kids on my own. Loved them and put them first....doesn't seem to matter to them.

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Dealing with the same thing
by: Anonymous

Thank you so much for this site. I don't feel alone any more!

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change you
by: Anonymous

My adult son was busted 2 years ago for drugs the 5th time in 13 years. I quit bailing him out. Quit giving him money and he quit talking to me. Good.

I am loving the break and honestly miss him less and less as times passing.He's 43.They are adults let him/them figure it out themselves.

No more advice or opinions from me ever again. I am all about me and my husband now. I feel better for the boundaries I set with my son and am not looking back.

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Maybe you need to understand boundaries
by: Anonymous

I went to visit my son. He had cleaned his apartment - but it wasn’t clean enough, in my opinion...and I said so.

He began to scratch at pimples on his neck - a nervous habit he had...and I told him to stop it as it looked bad.

He talked about his new interest in investing in the stock market and I announced loudly and in a disapproving tone that the stock market was just gambling.

And then I wonder why my son doesn’t visit me...

Our kids love us but If we keep overstepping their boundaries, criticizing them and "correcting" them, they won’t love us. Their love is not guaranteed.

So, take a real hard honest look at yourself without crying about what a great and selfless parent you are before it’s too late and you lose them forever.

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Dear Love this Blog...
by: Editor

Dear Love this Blog...
Please feel free to create your own page to let us know what you are experiencing.

Would love to hear more...Best, Editor for BWEP

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Love this blog......
by: Anonymous

These blogs are priceless. When one is suffering and wishes to not bore a friend with their depressing children issues these blogs are awesome.

Just read the comments and the same theme runs thru out. The individual who practiced detachment which was what her therapist recommended is someone who I agree with. My therapist told me to try the same and even though it is tough, it is the only way to survive with any progress.

Love them and for sure love yourself. In meditation there is a mantra May I be well,may I be Happy and may I be free from Suffering and you repeat ...May They be well etc etc and you know it works. If we did our very best then .....let it go.

Practice loving yourself,None of this advice is easy but what is the alternative. Thank God for blogs like these and to all who comment ......Lose yourself in action and work at enjoying your life. Peace.

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It is Life...
by: Dr. Shi

What can I add but to try and cheer you up. Our children would do what they have to do, no matter if it hurt you or others.

It is the society that we live in, so individualistic. Agreed, it was not so, time passed, but think. Those were easier times when families lived close, were close, and think and talked matters out.

Our world has changed, and these days, it is all "I", and what ever happens, happen. Thus, it comes to the point when parents must also change their behaviors, and think what if.

What if, is the future plans to taking care of yourself. I am not saying not to give or love your children, you will love them even if they don't give you back the love and time you put it. It is life, and you stay firm in yourself and take better care of yourself and your assets.
Until next time...Dr. Shi

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Detached
by: Anonymous

One doesn't have to be needy and expect a lot from their children....that's one thing...total disrespect and entitlement is another, especially when you have dignified them all your life. It is called being SPOILED!!

Sadly those with the potential for narcissism abuse that. And yet other children come out as dignified as you have taught them. Same parents, different children.After the wedding...few days left....I'm gone out of their narcissistic lives forever.

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Entitled and selfish adult daughters
by: Anonymous

I'm glad for this blog - it helps to see that many moms are feeling this way. I raised my 3 daughters as a single mom, battled cancer twice and worked more than full-time. I made them work starting at age 15 each.

I helped them each get their first cars - from the auction, while their peers were getting nice $15k cars from their parents. I made every effort to guide them into adulthood with good values. But they remain bitter that I don't provide more - they still remember their crappy cars which worked to get them to and fro.

I paid for the college educations, while I insisted they work to provide for any extras. They are very disrespectful to me and often harsh. I am just disgusted with them. Fortunately I do have a wonderful network of women friends through my church groups, but I had so hoped for loving relationships with my daughters.

All I can say is that I've done my best and that is all I could do. I trust our Lord to deal with them, and pray for peace in my own spirit.

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Hard work but worth it.
by: Anonymous

I just thank God
that these blogs are available for all to achieve some sort of comfort when experiencing selfish and total confusion from your adult selfish children. I agree that detachment is the only way to survive emotionally.

It is hard but the only sane way to deal with the issue. I have a terrific counselor but cannot afford to be sitting on her front step every week for advice that is why I value my blogs. You can just bore your friends so much.

It is so very painful but all of the advice regarding adopting new families and friends is the correct answer. As Cher would say "this is not a dress rehearsal" so let us all take this wonderful advice, screw the guilt savor the time knowing we did our best and get on with getting on and work on finding joy and it will be work but worth it.

Love those children and people in our lives who don’t get it and suffering themselves. Peace

To all of oust darling children we wish for nothing else abuse your happiness and peace and I wish the same for me and all of your wonderful people. G

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selfish children
by: Anonymous

I ran across this post after trying to search WHY my step children whom I've had a hand in raising since they were 4,5 and 7 act like I am invisible. I have read the responses from many of you and wanted to add my very personal and emotionally draining situation.

My husband and I have been together for over 14 years. My step children two of which are adults now rarely speak to me when they are home, never check in with me, rarely respond to text, and never ask anything about me or what if going in in my life.

However.. They don't hesitate to ask for something when they are in need. They don't know the personal turmoil and pain and loneliness I suffer by this behavior and I do not want to "bring it up" with fear they will abandon me completely. I have no children of my own and I love them so very much.

I just don't feel that I have any purpose in their lives any further. In am invisible. My husband just doesn't get it and these feelings I have are affecting our marriage. He is not very b supportive of my feelings whatsoever and says "they are kids"in which I disagree.

They are adults. Understood they have a mother and I have never tried to play that role to them but instead have only tried to offer love and support in everything they do. It just plain hurts and cuts me to the bone I am dreading spending Christmas Eve with them as I know they won't appreciate anything and and the entire day will be uncomfortable and stressful. I have come to loath this holiday season and would prefer to crawl into a ball and wait for it to pass.

It's just a terrible situation. I did not raise them to be like this and are so confused as to why they treat me like this. I've become resentful, angry, sad. Just someone I do not want to be... But I just want to stop trying so hard to make things nice.

I'm the only one that does everything and anything in preparation for Christmas.. They never ask to help, decorate, cook, clean... frankly anything. I hope others can find comfort they are not alone. I have always been told that "what does not kill you makes you stronger"... But I'm in the brink.

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How did I get here?
by: Anonymous

I can't tell you how grateful I am to have come upon this blog. I'm not sure why it's so nice to hear others are as stumped and hurt as I am with their adult kids.

I reared 3 boys and a girl that are responsible decent and loving. They are good parents to my grandchildren and in-laws but treat me like I'm worthless. Not one of them ever offers to help out, send a birthday card or gift unless a text counts.

I'm gobsmacked at how little they seem to care.

When I try to talk with them they treat me like petulant child with unrealistic expectations. If I wasn't their babysitter or giving them something I doubt I'd ever see them. Even my neighbor mentioned that the only time she ever sees my adult children is when the drop or pick up their children.

I hit my breaking point about a week ago and asked that they not contact me while I sort out a few things. I'm so fearful they will cut off contact with my grandchildren if I'm not their on call babysitter...but I am... must stop going around the same old mountain year after year. It's hard to accept that people you've sacrificed everything for care little to nothing about you. Thanks to this blog I will begin to invest in my friends, work and my own interests.

I will mourn not seeing my grand kids but the pain of sticking with the status quo in more painful than the risk of changing this painful dance. Happy Holidays to all of you struggling...and thank you for sharing your stories ideas and victories.

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Hurt
by: Anonymous

I can’t believe the things I am hearing. A lot of the stories sound exactly like mine.
My daughter had an issue with me a year ago in the summer. I didn’t put sunscreen on my granddaughter and my daughter was livid!! From there she accused me of things I had done wrong all the while she was growing up.

I was never so hurt in all my life as I was the months she didn’t talk to us. Nothing was said bad mouthing her father because he did not discipline her growing up. She likes to talk about her life, what she is doing, her job, how f******* busy she is. She does not ask about me nor her dad.

I feel we did not raise her to be this selfish and so self centered. I am questioned about things I text to my grandson and other things. We are taking now but I feel like if I do or say something wrong she’s going to call me out on it. But I keep my mouth shut and don’t say anything but hurt like hell inside.
?????? What to do??
I have come to the realization that I’m living my life as my own and screw the rest of them.

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Gratitude
by: Anonymous

I was reading the comments and I noticed a theme. Being upset because the adult children are not doing what you want them to. You brought them into this world, it was your choice.

You raised them, also your choice. Giving them all your love, your choice. Giving to someone expecting things in return. You might end up unhappy with those expectations.

But you can change those. You have control over your expectations. You can go to counseling and work on yourself. That's within your control. Your child is an adult. Most adults do have issues with their parents.

They wake up one day and realize their parent or parents are not perfect, they are just people with issues like them. It's sad when an adult child has this realization. There is normally two sides to every story.

Adult children are in a tough spot as well. They usually love you and want you to be happy. But they are not in control or in charge of your happiness. Parents of adult children sometimes have a hard time switching the roles.

Your child now gets to make their own decisions and set their own boundaries. You might not like that or agree. You don't have control of how often they call or text. You are not their center, they have stress, fears, wants, dreams.

They might choose not to discuss things with you. They might put more energy into other areas of their life. I have noticed it is hard since you went from being the child's life force to no longer playing a leading role.

It is hard, it took years for me to understand the core issue. I felt replaced. I wasn't, I just moved to a different role. They get annoyed with me and I have to learn to respect them. I have always thought my way was the best way. My son loves me, he just wants to be a man.

His wife and him do things differently. My daughter also needs me in a different role. Her husband is her go to now. I love being with them and sometimes what or when I want to come won't work.

I have learned to not take it personally. They are budding families unifying. I had my time and now I get to play the role of Gma with much less stress and responsibility. I am grateful. God has blessed me with healthy, strong capable children.

I don't like change and it took me years and many tears later to accept what is and be appreciative of it. Sending love to you all. Don't give up on your children. Playing the victim role hurts you more than them. Enjoy your life!

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I Give Up
by: Anonymous

I too have three grown children whom I raised with all my heart and soul, they were my life. My own mother couldn't have cared less about me and I was never going to do that to my children and I didn't.

Now I have three successful (as we paid for their university degrees) grown children who have no respect, time and apparently love for me. It is beyond hurtful. I have never intruded in their lives and have given them space and respect.

I now dread Christmas coming up as I have no desire to buy them anything but will be the bad mom for not.

I have contemplated it deeply how on earth it turns out this way. I don't know that I will ever understand but do know that for my own sanity I have to accept it and move on in my life. So much for my expectations of a happy ever after family life.

It sounds pathetic, thought I was the only parent feeling this way. I never want to be the needy mother like my own mother was and I will not beg for my children's time and attention.
Maybe someday they will realize what they missed out on.

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Entitled Adult Children
by: Anonymous

I sit here perplexed after seeing off my adult son and his long term partner who went off on their fifth holiday this year last night & after taking their children to school. Perplexed as they can only do this due to my generosity......or should I say fool - hardiness.

After a failed attempt to live together -(me, my three adult children and one of their partners) - I have ended up still paying the rent in the house we once all lived in as they cannot afford the property on their own.

Crazy I know but when you love too much you do crazy things as you attempt to create the 'white picket fence' life that you never had.

If I withdraw my support my children as well as my now grandchild will 'suffer'. So I continue to offer this damaging support but am feeling increasingly angry and resentful as I witness their extravagant lifestyle as they pay lip service to my needs.

The latest injustice to me and my needs is my daughter asking me to support them in looking after their children full time so that they can then work etc without the struggle of having to look after their own children as well! Can you really believe this?.

She forgets that I have already been there as a single parent and that I don't want to go through that all again as they will not only expect me to be a nanny - I'll be chief cook and bottle washer to.
I'm done with my adult children and their selfish partners - THIS... MY LIFE, IS ABOUT ME NOW.

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selfish adult children
by: Anonymous

Im going through this too.I did everything for my children. I had a horrible childhood.I know I did my best,! My b-day was yesterday, I waited and finally , half the day was over.I text both my adult children, and said , wow today's my b-day.my daughter who is 28, replied, yea, chill out, you were in court yesterday and I got you a card.And my son replied , yea I work..with!!!

I raised them better.I come to the conclusion, I won't let anyone else treat me like crap, there not either! I'm going to be first.Ive have a lot of operations, but I always did my house work and took Care of me and my kids.I have no family to help me,I will never ask my kids for anything again.

The last time my father told me to ask my son for help, she has no vacation days left. And I felt like I was a pain in the ass to her.I tell my kids I won't be here forever. I told my daughter , I wish i had a mom to treat like crap!!

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selfish adult children
by: Anonymous

Yes. I'm in the same boat. Always there for my adult daughters, especially my youngest one. Giving her money and more as she is still at uni,
although, thankfully lives independently. Her behaviour is one of bullying towards me as I explained to her yesterday.

Nasty, unacceptable behaviour dropping me off for a medical appointment and then when I couldn't find her, she insisted I do so, even though I can't walk very well. In the end I sat down outside the hospital and sobbed.

My eldest has chosen to talk to me after 18 months of no contact but I find myself contacting her.
I have decided I am not going to be so available from now on. I am going to concentrate on the amazing friendships I have and my wonderful life.
Oh, and I'm not lending my vacuum cleaner or giving out money anymore!
Thank you all for your comments and for being so honest.

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I was the selfish child.
by: Anonymous

I took my Mum for granted. Now she is gone and I cant make it up to her. Now it is my turn to have the selfish daughter and now I can see how much I must have hurt my Mum without even realising it.

I was just used to having her there, it wasn't that I didn't love her. Its just the same old story you don't appreciate what you've got till its gone.

But she hung in there, didn't judge, didn't give advice or money, she was just there being mum when I needed her, sadly but truthfully like a security blanket that I pulled out when I wanted. As time went on and I began to realise in later life that the world didn't revolve around me I did start to comprehend the incredible hardship she had raising 5 girls and not getting anything in return.

Hopefully she knew in the end that I loved her and was sorry for all the pain I had caused her growing up. I did try too little too late. That is life and my cross to bear.

I guess I will just follow her lead and be there for my daughter when she needs me, but knowing I need to be able to live my own life without her too. Trust in God, Peace be with you all.

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Adult children
by: Anonymous

It's very hurtful when your children don't treat you the way you feel they should. I have always been fit and healthy and gave them a healthy life style to live by. I've helped them with decorating their houses and moving.

When it was my turn however I hardly saw them too busy with their activities. I have felt really down about it and don't feel positive enough to change anything. Reading these posts has helped so much. Thank you everyone

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Upset mum
by: Anonymous

I'm in absolute bits with my grown up daughter of 25 , we've had a rocky mother daughter relationship where she moved out at 16 to live with her X boyfriend , I was devastated she left , that was up and down then of talking not talking she then fell pregnant at 21 to my beautiful granddaughter relationship with my daughter was ok ish I then found out when my granddaughter was nearly one that the bf was in prison for 18 month she only told me 6 months down the line when I kept asking questions to where he was etc.

Her reply after telling me was she didn't want me to worry etc ( later telling her sister she thought I'd want to tell her wot to do and takeover ) long story short we were informed few years she met now partner had another daughter , myself and my husband had been trying to see them all in beteeen work etc on weekends that we don't work she kept saying she was busy , so I said Could we pop over Before u go out ??

No your put us off getting ready was her reply okay could u come to ours then on your way back from your days out no cause girls have a bedtime her reply I took this for a while til the final straw and I said hang on we want to see the girls as well ( it's always his side they see etc ) that didn't go down well.

It then got into a row where she's said apparently we don't hell enough with girls she's going back to when her first daughter was little , we didn't help she said , she's called me selfish vile spiteful cause she reckons they would visit us a long time ago and we beva used to them (trying to say we work funny hours and when ever we try u were always saying your busy and we can't cum over ). She will not sort the row out telling my other daughter she's had enough now of us.

It's my granddaughter Christening today and I really don't want to go as not feel welcome cause it's all her partners side there.

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Strength in solidarity
by: Anonymous

I came here looking for answers & thanks to all you folks who have posted, I have my answers. I am lucky in as much as my two adult daughters aren't yet as bad/selfish/entitled as many of the adult children mentioned here.

But I can see that my girls, are on their way down this path. Like another commenter, I have some fear for the future. So I am going to take the advice given.

I am going to concentrate on me, building a safe future for myself with loving reliable caring friends around me. I too gave as much love as I could to try and compensate for an estranged useless father.

I have given complete support to them both in every avenue of their lives and put my own needs in second position, because.........I thought that's how to show love - the opposite of what I received from my own parents.

One of them can't spare 3 minutes to send a text asking how I am, (and she knows I won't push her into a lengthy text conversation), & the other can't be bothered to walk a 3 minute journey to my house to visit.

Oh, I won't go on talking about the hurtful things they do. Not quite as bad as some, but enough to really hurt me and make me wonder, and sometimes cry.

Like another poster said, " I've done my job, if they can't do theirs, then so be it. Time for me to move on. Good luck all, stay strong.

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Detach with Love
by: Anonymous

When we all cannot afford counseling when needed, God love these websites to help people who are in pain for whatever reason.

There seems to be a common thread with all of these correspondences and tho very sad it has become very common. I have read a book on detaching from individuals who are toxic in our lives.

The advice given from all of these is simply " Start enjoying your life, accept what is and realize this is it, only one time around, try to make a good time.

I will never understand giving my all as a parent and having to live through selfishness in my adult children, but thanks to a great suggestion from a therapist on learning to detach ( not easy) but the only way. It has helped tremendously.

So to all of you are going through this please love yourself even more and try to feel some joy everyday.......Peace

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Thank god for sharing...
by: Anonymous

I feel I can breathe I've been going through hell with my adult children since I broke up with their dad ...they just hate me and tell me so ,they are so underhanded and make me feel like a outsider in my own family ...I needed to know I'm not alone as I was in a very dark place of late ...thank you everyone for sharing your very painful lives with difficult adult children ...take care ...

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Keep yourself busy
by: Anonymous

I was a single parent for most of my son's life so I understand where you're coming from. I also have a selfish son. I'm happy to hear that you're feeling better now.

If I were you, I'd ignore them and just focus on making yourself happy. If you can, take cruises and make new friends. If you can, move abroad for a year or two to teach.

I'm about to move and frankly speaking, I don't think much about my selfish son. He's also a college graduate and a professional. I struggled for him. He met a rude young girl and within 2 weeks of meeting this girl, he allowed her to be rude to me. That, I will never forgive.

Just because you are a mother doesn't mean you have to put up with bad behavior from adult children. I've moved on with my life and focus more on myself than anything else. Life is too short, be happy,stay focused, stay healthy. Wishing you all the best.

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Adult Children and Negative Behaviors
by: Anonymous

Darling,

You did your job. If they cannot do theirs, then so be it.

Welcome to the club. Now, take the best care of yourself, more than ever. Live for you, and enjoy yourself. Let every day be an experience.

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Time to breathe fresh air
by: Anonymous

I am so encouraged to find that it is not me facing selfish children - all four of them. I could go on about their behaviour but from reading through it's common.

Time to step back, take in some fresh air and think about the money we will save by turning the generosity tap off. No need to discuss why or email my sorrow. They are adults and making choices - just not the same as ours.

Lift up your head you terrific parents - we know what we have done and given so time to change stations and listen to sweeter music

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Too Much
by: Anonymous

Wow!

For the woman with four children, and stores.
I believe you have won the prize.

I have never heard such tones, sadness and punishment to one's parents. I thought that my children were selfish, and the rest of words.

I have called threatened to call the cops on my son when he mouthed off me at my front door. I really believe you need the help of professional people.

From my experience, if someone is one drugs, and such, the possibilities are endless what sort of behavior could take place. Don't you think that you are at risk for major situations?

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Self doubt
by: Anonymous

20 years ago my adult children and grandchildren enjoyed me and loved me and we had so much fun, Their friends envied them and I was often told what a great parent I had been.

Now they are all "successful" happy and children grown I am now redundant. If I say anything will be thought of as moaner and have guilt calls and visits. No win situation. Into self doubt about myself yet have so many other young friends that choose to hang out with me.

They tell me I am wise, funny, and insightful, yet my my own adult kids and grids make me feel the opposite.why.

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Parents who forget themselves!
by: Anonymous

I can relate to all of this. I was a single parent and gave my all to my daughter. She was partly disabled from the age of 10 months to around 7 years.

I went through hell all my life with my own parents ,they were never there for me, so decided to give my all to my only daughter and all she gave me in return was hell, pure hell.

Her father rejected her and blamed me, yes she has abandonment issues, but suppose the majority of us have if we dig deep inside of us.

The here and now is she is 29 years and lives away from home since the age of 18 years due to living with a lad whom she met on the net. She is no longer with him ,but our relationship has gone from close to a text from time to time.

I haven't seen her in 5 years, but should be use to it by now but it still hurts, mainly because I sacrificed my life for her. But now I am learning to give all of that to myself hard but getting better.

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THIS IS THE ANSWER
by: Anonymous

I say, to hell with these adult kids and the high horse they rode in on!! I absolutely refuse to care about anyone that I gave life to and birthed into this world.

We loved them enough to give them a good upbringing.How many times have we loved them through all of their ugliness and nastiness. If your kids cannot appreciate what you have done for them and the fact that you are still tolerating their sorry arse...let them go!!!

Life is too short and you got more years behind you than ahead of you! Let the grand kids go too, they are a package deal. Its like waiting for a bus that's never gonna come cos the kids on the bus and the parents are driving it!

All your going to do is end up with a broken heart that can't be mended. You got to move on. Let em go, find a way to empty your mind through counseling if necessary.

This is about you, your life, your health and happiness. Its senseless to give them any more of your kind heart. Once you walk away, don't look back!! When they can show 100% that they are worthy of your love and respect, then you decide, until then keep it moving.

They need to be truly honoured to call you mum or dad!! many kids would love a mum/gran like you, find people to fill your heart with joy, THEY are waiting. x

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Trust yourself, you are true.
by: Anonymous

I'm going through it too. my advice, and indeed what I am doing is ignoring her and focusing on me for a change. That's why this has happened, cos i put the kids before me.

There's is nothing else you can do! Get help with the emotions and when you are in a good place, they may well be back sniffing around cos you've not been in touch. By that time you will be strong enough to decide whether they are good enough and respectful enough to call you Mum or Dad. it'll all work out, trust yourself x

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It's all about me
by: Resolved

Going through this myself. Have given my daughter enough to build a home, and have Invitro treatments. On vacation and asked to borrow shampoo and she said she only brought enough for herself.

Great advice--living for myself from this point forward. Love them but I see a side that gives me a glimpse into my future as I age and it terrifies me. Have to rearrange the way I think about things from this point forward.

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What about husbands?
by: Anonymous

There are wonderful wives that care for their children, for their homes and for their husbands and husbands do not appreciate them.
About mothers with children that cause them sadness when It should be love, this Is my advise. If you gave so much do not give anymore, instead give time to yourself, think of you first, second and third.

Love yourself, look for something fun to do. Yes, meet people and be happy. Do not suffer any longer enough Is enough. Do not be a volunteer for abuse.

Same thing with husbands: If they do not appreciate you for all that you do Is time to change the pattern. Go out, do not cook for him and leave the house a mess. If he does not care Why should you.

I know many bad mothers with wonderful children.
Same thing about good wives.
Yes life Is unfair, but Is our responsibility to make It fair and be happy.

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Ingrate
by: Dr. Shi

I am so sorry to hear all this. However, as you know, you are not the only one going through this sort of behavior from their grown up children.

From what I recalled, I did the same with my three children. Pretty much, I gave them the best part of my younger life. I had expectations of them becoming good people. They are good people, really good to others, but not to their parents.

They think we are rich, and not letting them have money, and help them out when they are in a bind.

The fact is, they get help, but they want our blood now. My youngest son told me that he is living his life, as if, I was dead. My daughter writes me abuse emails, that would make any mother heart hurt. Thus, we go back and forth. I will not have her disrespect me.

When she sees me, she barely have time to spend with me. She is always busy. I recently wrote her, telling her that what she is doing is abuse, and it was the last time. We are not on talking terms right now. My oldest has his ways of not calling, and when his wife does, he is offended. He is always needy.

I could go on, and on of their disrespect, lack of care and ungratefulness. I am so disappointed in them. However, I dared not say so or else they would stop talking to me. They have done so for silly reasons in the past.

I have made peace with myself that I have a right to live a good life, and who want to share it with me fine. If my children always refuse themselves to me, then so be it. I am young, able bodied and a good person. The world is filled with good people.

Thus, I came to believe it is the way of the new generation, both, X & Y. Please note that there is no shame in speaking about your hurt. I am so sorry. Please keep being strong and take care of yourself.

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I have selfish adult children, too
by: Anonymous

I read these posts about selfish adult children, and it hits too close to home. I am probably the reason, I probably spoiled them too much. I was divorced, and always felt guilty that they didn't have a "white picket fence" home life.

I can remember my Mom saying, "you will be sorry" about being too generous with kids. I never thought they would be so disrespectful and unappreciative. But, they are.

Apparently, I wasn't the good mother I thought I was. I did try very hard. My youngest daughter said she has no happy memories of her childhood. That just breaks my heart.

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Selfish Adult Child
by: Anonymous

I too have a selfish child. My older daughter is a state assistant attorney general. When I am with her, she snaps, makes assumptions about things I say that are not true. She appears to have very high anxiety, but that does not make her nasty remarks any easier to take.

She invited me to come to a court case of hers. At lunch time she insisted that I buy her lunch even thought she makes much more money than I do.

I do understand the feeling of mothers who feel slighted.

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I too have adult selfish children
by: Anonymous

At least your children are doing well for themselves. Mine are lazy. I live in a big beautiful home. My house is dirty because I work a lot and have a bad Back.

My oldest son is so selfish even when I tell him "you hurt me and I'm crying" he will still try and prove his point instead of just saying he is sorry.

Example, I own a few retail stores, I gave my son the location. He wanted me out ASAP. In my mind I was going to stay another month to get rid of a lot of product. He wasn't having it. He pushed me everyday so I finally moved.

Because the move it was rushed, I didn't have time to think. I was super sick trying to move my things out because he said he needed it ASAP.

I left some mess that him being young could easily spend a few hours cleaning. I had some expensive things like a sign, cameras, microwave water cooler, etc. All of what I could use in my new location but since it was his first store I left then as a gift for him.

I found out yesterday he threw all these things in a garbage! I couldn't believe it. My stores are my home I live there. I only left to help him financially one less thing for him to buy.

I cannot believe he threw away these expensive items, the cameras security system I could have used in my new store or home, and a huge scrolling sign. I did want these things but left them as a gift to help him.

I feel him throwing them out was like throwing out my life work. It's like you giving your child a home with nice furniture you wanted but left cause its they first place. I cried when I found out. So I told him I'm in so upset I'm crying.

Instead of saying sorry he right away started saying its was junk and I could buy the sign anyways for 160. I told him you bring me an advertised price then, of course he couldn't.

Because his sign was custom made last year for 2000.00 I was crying and his response was heartless, he don't understand these things where important I left as a gift for him.

My adult kids go in my bedroom, take my things out if my home, tools laptops what ever they need without permission. My daughter continues to live here. 29 years old with a child.

She moved back 4 months ago I thought to help save money. She reverted back to 15 goes out to eat daily . All her bills are piled up on the counter. She has not saved anything and feels the 300 she gives me is good. My house bills alone doubled.

The 300 don't cover her expense. She eats out daily parties and doesn't clean anything. Works for me making 2000 a month and claims that's not enough. All her money goes on food. My 17 year old is a minor I can't kick him out yes he is the one who takes my things goes into my room even if the door is locked.

Takes what he wants and sells it on Craig's list. His response " you don't use it what's the big speak"? My 21 year old is addicted to drugs she don't work I have to walk around my home carrying my purse. She sleeps all day and has the drug dealer drop her drugs off, yes now a days the drug dealer comes to you. She refuses to stop. I live in a nice area and she brings crazy people around my home to pick her up.

I have kicked her out several times then she does crazy things like sleeps outside. To get sympathy and make it seem like I'm heartless to everyone who knows us. She is my daughter so I cannot tell people the truth because I'm embarrassed.

I bring her to work to babysit and help her stay clean and she will have the drug dealer come to my business. She been in an accident and jail and refuses to stop, YOU cannot get her help because she is an adult and in complete denial. She can get very scary mean and nasty and won't admit she is doing drugs.

My other kids tell me to control her but they won't help. And I'm afraid of her. All of my kids drive cars I paid for.that they trashed. When I say something they all ban against me. They smoke pot in they room. I can smell it and when I say anything they deny it and get really nasty.

Sometimes it's best for me to be quiet. Out of the 4 two work, one I gave a store the other works for me. My one son who is doing best is the most hurtful he wants me to let them all stay here calls me names if I want to kick them out and says I'm a bad mom for wanting to throw my kids out.

He makes me cry all the time and when I tell him he gets more mean and nasty instead of saying sorry. They have unscrewed the lock on my bedroom door I don't even lock it, they have sold on Craig's list and Facebook my laptops drills the we tools iPads phones while I'm at work if they need money, the house doesn't get clean unless I clean and when I cry or lash out they all call me mentally unstable and why do I get worked up.

My one son who is 17 said last night "why r u crying you gave those things to my brother if he threw it out that was his too throw out. Not understanding I only left to help him out I wanted those things, my other daughter stole her sisters car I bought her for 10,000 and lies and said she didn't do it when it's on camera.

The 29 year old don't have credit or even a dollar to buy a new one. These are so many things I go through, the government does not allow me to parent my kids the way I was parented, while growing up.

Talking don't work and if I tried to spank them they called the police, I thought they all would outgrow it as adults but my oldest who is 29 still thinks because I'm the mom that she don't have to move she feels offended that I asked because it's not fair that the others are here.

But my other son is 17 he will call the police he knows his rights I cannot kick him out, my 21 year old drug addict will break a window to get back in,all of these atrocities are against me and they all stand together saying " I'm selfish bad mom for wanting them out when I have a big home.

All of them do drugs, drink don't save money and don't clean the house you believe this story? Because it's all true. But I'm called the psycho one cause I start flipping out when I can't take it trust me no ones kids are that bad.

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The new generation.
by: Anonymous

I am sure you have seen irresponsible mothers setting bad examples for the children and caring just about themselves and now the same mothers have children that adore them and run when those "mothers" are in need.

Life is unfair, but don't think that good Mother's gave too much to their children creating their own problems? I think so.

This is my advice with all respect: good Mother's gave too much to create these monsters, right?

So, what about if they do not care for them now and live a happy life caring just about themselves? Get a hobby, make new friends and forget about them.

Be the monsters that they are by not paying attention to them. It could work...

Be happy please! You are the most important person now, not them. You gave all. No more.

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Sad Mom
by: Sherry

Thank you anonymous for answering my comment. This past Christmas was the first time I have had a major health issue. My son claims that he loves me, however, he did not see me when this was happening. My daughter never asks me how I am doing.

I have asked them both in the past if I have done anything wrong in raising them. Both have told me that they had the best childhood and that I was the best Mom. I guess there is no answer but I know that I can never depend upon them for anything and I never had before this happened.

There is no excuse for such selfish behavior, but I sincerely do not know how to act at this time towards them. I did send them a loving email expressing my feelings. They never addressed it. I am done discussing this with them. Of course, I love them both and they are responsible good adults. This is so perplexing.

All I know is that I have to take care of myself now and they will have to come second. Anyway, that's it...

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Hi Sherry
by: Anonymous

Perhaps your children don't see you as anything but a strong woman. My daughter tends to think I am indestructible, with infinite strength. For them to realize that you are getting older, would also mean that they would have to face their own mortality. Maybe they're not ready to deal with all that entails.

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